Honoring Dave Yost’s Faith and His Move to Defend Religious Liberty
Celebrating What Is Good
A Monthly Publication of the Church Ambassador Network
In the quiet moments of transition, we are often reminded that the Christian life is not a series of random events, but a purposeful pilgrimage. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, we are "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).
This month, our Ohio community celebrates a significant transition in the life of a faithful public servant. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost recently announced his resignation, effective June 7, to step into a vital new role as the Vice President of Strategic Research and Innovation for Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF).
For decades, AG Yost has been a steadfast defender of the rule of law in our state—from his time as Delaware County Prosecutor to his years as State Auditor and Attorney General. But beyond the titles, many of us know Dave as a man of deep, abiding faith. Whether he was fighting the opioid epidemic, protecting the unborn, or standing up for the religious liberties of small-town pastors, his work has been an extension of his commitment to the Gospel.
As he prepares to join the "best constitutional lawyers in the world" at ADF, we see a beautiful example of a leader following the Lord’s promptings into a new season of service.
The Call to Deeper Dependence
It is easy to find comfort in the familiar. For a leader of Dave’s stature, staying the course in Ohio politics might have been the "comfortable" choice. However, the call of Christ often leads us out of our comfort zones and into deeper dependence.
Os Guinness once wrote in The Call:
"Calling is the truth that God calls us to himself so decisively that everything we are, everything we do, and everything we have is invested with a special devotion and dynamism lived out as a response to his summons and service."
When a public servant of Dave’s caliber chooses to pivot toward the defense of religious liberty and human dignity on a global scale, it serves as a powerful reminder to our congregations. Our careers are not just ladders to be climbed; they are platforms for the Kingdom.
Strengthening Our Capacity to Love
As pastors, we are called to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Dave Yost’s move to ADF is a testament to what it looks like when a believer’s "capacity to love their neighbor" is expanded through their professional expertise. By defending the First Amendment, he is ensuring that the Church remains free to minister to the broken, the poor, and the lost.
When we encourage our business leaders, teachers, and civil servants to see their work through the lens of service, we are helping them realize that their daily labor is an act of worship. As Martin Luther famously noted, the "shoe-maker" doesn't serve God by putting little crosses on shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship (Luther, The Freedom of a Christian, 1520).
Dave Yost has spent his career "making good shoes" for the citizens of Ohio. Now, we pray for him as he takes those skills to a new battlefield, defending the very foundations of our faith and freedom.
Practical Steps for the Ohio Pastor
Pray for the Transition: Dedicate a moment in your service or staff meeting to pray for Dave and Darlene Yost, and for Governor DeWine as he appoints a successor to serve the remainder of the term. Pray for wisdom and for a heart of service in our state's leadership.
Highlight "Vocational Stewardship": Use Dave’s transition as a sermon illustration to talk about how God uses our professional skills for His glory. Encourage your members to consider how their current "season" is preparing them for the next "calling" the Lord may have for them.
Support Religious Liberty Education: Many in our pews do not understand the legal threats facing the Church. Consider hosting a "Faith & Freedom" Sunday where you discuss the importance of organizations like ADF and CCV in protecting the ministry of the local church.
Join the Movement
Protect the Pulpit: Learn more about how Center for Christian Virtue protects the rights of Ohio pastors to preach the Gospel without government interference. Visit CCV’s Church Ambassador Network.
Listen to the Narrative:Listen to the latest podcast episode featuring AG Dave Yost as he discusses his career and his move to ADF.
Ohio Prayer Network: Join thousands of believers across the state praying for our leaders and current events. Sign up for the Prayer Network.
Register for the Essential Summit on Friday, October 23: Tickets reduced to just $100 for church groups of 10 or more, and both lunch and dinner are included for those in the Church Leadership Track!
The Church Ambassador Network is a ministry of Center for Christian Virtue. They exist to serve and resource the Church in Ohio to understand the times and know how to respond. Read more about their mission at CCV.org/CAN
